Keane hero for Hoops again

04 April 2010 22:18

Robbie Keane's second-half penalty gave Celtic a 1-0 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road and took the Hoops back to within 10 points of Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Rangers.

In the 61st minute, after Anthony Stokes' high challenge on Aiden McGeady was judged worthy of a spot-kick by referee Charlie Richmond, the Irishman slammed the ball past Graham Stack.

It was the striker's 12th goal in 12 games since arriving on loan from Tottenham in January and kept Hibs five points behind third-placed Dundee United.

In the fourth minute Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska made a fine save from Ian Murray's header at the expense of a corner, and as the visitors failed to clear their lines properly Hibernian defender Sol Bamba hooked the ball over the bar from six yards.

Moments later the Polish goalkeeper made another good save, this time from Stokes, blocking the Irishman's angled drive after he had raced clear of the Celtic defence.

Celtic started the second half in seemingly more determined mood and McGeady, who had showed glimpses of skill earlier, cut inside and drove over the bar from 16 yards.

The visitors Celtic took the lead shortly after the hour mark when Hibs defender Steven Thicot was booked for a foul on Samaras 25 yards from goal. Naylor's left-footed free-kick was pushed away by Stack for another corner but as the home side tried to clear their lines from the set-piece, Stokes raised his foot in challenging McGeady and Richmond pointed to the spot.

Keane stepped up and rifled the penalty to Stack's right-hand side and took the acclaim of the Celtic fans behind the goal.

Hibs staggered for a few moments but almost drew level in the 68th minute when former Hoops star Derek Riordan, who hitherto had been disappointing, sent a shot from 25 yards crashing off the top of the Celtic bar.

However, the expected late Hibs onslaught failed to materialise, leaving Celtic to leave with three more SPL points and Neil Lennon to depart with more brownie points.

Source: PA